Choosing Between a Full Face or Modular Helmet: A Buyer’s Guide

Is it time to buy a new helmet?

Even though we all know the importance of protecting our heads while on the bike, we’re not all diligent about wearing our helmets 100% of the time.

If you want to be as safe as possible on the road or track, though, you need to wear your helmet.

The best way to become consistent in wearing your helmet is to get one that you actually want to wear. Buy something that is practical and comfortable, and you’re going to be more inclined to wear it religiously — and stay safer on your rides.

Two of the best options are full face and modular helmets. Let us help you decide which one is right for you.

Helmet Options for Motorcyclists

Full face and modular helmets are just two options among many different styles of helmets. Before we go into the details about full face helmet vs. modular, let’s look at the different  options on the market.

• Half helmet: Only covers the back and top of your head, down to your eyebrows. Your neck, ears, and face are almost entirely exposed to the elements. These offer the least protection of any helmet.
• Open face helmet: Known as a ¾ helmet and only covers the top and sides of your head. Your face is completely exposed and there is no chin bar.
• Off-road helmet: Designed for off-roading. They offer full protection of your head, neck, and ears, and more protection for your face because of the chin bar. There is typically no eye protection, so off-road helmets are usually paired with
• Dual-sport helmet: Combination of off-road and full face helmet. These feature a large eye protection visor that can be snapped up if you’d rather wear goggles. Even in the snapped-up position, the visor is still aerodynamic, which means you can leave it in the up position without it getting blown off by the wind.
• Full face helmet: Offers the most protection of any helmet style. The helmet covers your entire head and neck and includes a visor that should be worn in the “down” position while on the bike. The chin bar is stationary.
• Modular helmet: Hybrid version of a full face helmet combined with a ¾ helmet. On the road, it operates as a full face helmet, with complete head protection, visor, and chin bar. However, the visor and chin bar can be raised so that the helmet is wearable in the same configuration as a ¾ helmet (open face).

When to wear a full face helmet

Full face helmets are the safest kind of helmet you can wear.

If you want to mitigate the risks of riding a motorcycle on the road, the full face helmet is the best way to do that.

Full face helmets are wearable in pretty much any motorsport. A good general rule is that the faster you’re going to go, the more important a full face helmet becomes. They are highly recommended for anyone riding on public roads, especially highways and interstates.

Advantages of a full face helmet include:

• It provides full coverage of your head, the back of your neck, your ears, and your face, including your eyes. The chin bar offers significant protection.
• It gives you great protection against the elements, including wind, sun, cold temperatures, precipitation, and bugs.
• They are available in every budget range.

The only significant disadvantages of a full face helmet are that some models may be a bit heavy, they can get really hot in the summer, and some people report feeling claustrophobic while wearing them.

When to wear a modular helmet

Modular helmets are popular with riders who want to be able to get a break from the full face helmet without needing to remove and replace their helmet each time.

For example, if you go out with other riders, you may need to stop and talk to people periodically. It’s very convenient to be able to lift the chin bar and visor and easily communicate  with other riders. Motorcycle couriers and delivery people benefit from this, too!

Modular helmets are nearly as safe as full face helmets. When the chin bar is lowered and locked into position, it should provide the same level of protection as a fixed chin bar. In order to be DOT-certified, the modular helmet must pass rigorous safety tests.

However, some riders will choose to ride with the visor and chin bar raised, which eliminates much of the protection that comes from this kind of helmet. Additionally, there is a chance that the chin bar may become detached in an accident.

Advantages of a modular helmet include:

• Great protection for your head and face.
• It can be quickly opened so that you can communicate easily, take a break, take a drink of water, or fuel up without needing to remove your helmet.
• It offers more breathability than a full face helmet, which gives you the chance to cool down.
• The fit of a modular helmet might be better for people who wear glasses.

There really aren’t very many disadvantages to a modular helmet, but they do tend to be a bit heavier than full face helmets because of the hinge mechanism, and there are some concerns about the possibility of less safety in the event of an accident.

Additional helmet features

Whether you go with a modular or a full face helmet, these are some  features to take into consideration when you are shopping for your next helmet.

• Helmets with Bluetooth speakers
• Helmets with a breakaway camera mount
• Youth-sized helmets for young and small riders
• Women’s sized helmets
• Helmets with removable and replaceable components

Stay Safe — Wear Your Helmet

Whatever kind of motorcycle you ride, and whatever kind of riding you do, stay safe and wear a high-quality, DOT-approved helmet every time you’re on your bike.

Both modular and full face helmets are the best way to protect your head, face, and life in the event of a crash.